OT: Small Sound System Recs?

[RUinPinehurst]

Looking for a new sound system for a "great room" (15' x 20' w/cathedral ceiling) and am hoping our SN resident audiophiles can assist with recommendations.

Want features including AM/FM tuner, CD, Bluetooth, 2 or 4 speakers (wireless?), small footprint/low profile, something that would fit neatly in a built-in wall bookcase, with quality sound.

Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise and advice.

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

What is your budget?

 

[RUinPinehurst]

Under $1k would be nice.

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

Emotiva PT-100 - Stereo Preamplifier/DAC/Tuner $254
A5+ Powered Speakers (PAIR) (mono block amps are built in) (comes in black or white, also natural wood for extra $) $399
Onkyo C-7030 CD Player $199
Cables: just get Emotiva cables, they are good and don't cost a lot.

Total is $850 plus cables

You can also add a Turntable if you want, the PT-100 has a phonoamp.
Extra:: Uturn Orbit Basic Turntable $179

With the turntable $1,079

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Powered-Speaker-Systems/A5-plus-Powered-Speakers
http://emotiva.com/products/pres-and-pros/pt-100
http://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=C-7030&class=Compact Disc&source=prodClass
https://uturnaudio.com/products/orbit-basic-turntable?variant=33393451530

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Hey Scourge, what would you change if hooking up a new HD TV was also in the works?

 

[RUinPinehurst]

Emotiva PT-100 - Stereo Preamplifier/DAC/Tuner $254
A5+ Powered Speakers (PAIR) (mono block amps are built in) (comes in black or white, also natural wood for extra $) $399
Onkyo C-7030 CD Player $199
Cables: just get Emotiva cables, they are good and don't cost a lot.

Total is $850 plus cables

You can also add a Turntable if you want, the PT-100 has a phonoamp.
Extra:: Uturn Orbit Basic Turntable $179

With the turntable $1,079

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Powered-Speaker-Systems/A5-plus-Powered-Speakers
http://emotiva.com/products/pres-and-pros/pt-100
http://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=C-7030&class=Compact Disc&source=prodClass
https://uturnaudio.com/products/orbit-basic-turntable?variant=33393451530

Thanks, SS. All those separate components kind of counter my goal of a system with a small footprint. Any suggestions for a complete system, ie those components from a single manufacturer that consolidates all the functionality in one box? Simplicity and small shelf space are important. Thanks.

 

[Purple-Ed]

Remember rule #1 when buying stereo components: " Friends don't let friends buy Bose".

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

Thanks, SS. All those separate components kind of counter my goal of a system with a small footprint. Any suggestions for a complete system, ie those components from a single manufacturer that consolidates all the functionality in one box? Simplicity and small shelf space are important. Thanks.

Just note that no all in one will sound as good as the system above.

But this is as good as you can get:

Speakers and all in one in the same box:
Yamaha MCR-N560BL Micro Component System $599.95

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-systems/mcr-n560_w/

or upgrade the speakers

Yamaha CRX-N560BL Micro Component $449.95
Audioengine P4 Passive Speakers (Pair) $249

Total $698.95

 

[RUinPinehurst]

Just note that no all in one will sound as good as the system above.

But this is as good as you can get:

Marantz M CR611 Wireless Network CD Receiver and Music Streamer $699 (best all in one that I know up)
Audioengine P4 Passive Speakers (Pair) $249

Total $948

View embedded media

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Passive-Speaker-Systems/P4-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers

So if your original component set results in a "10" in terms of sound quality and performance, what's the 1-to-10 (best) rating on the single component you suggested?

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

Hey Scourge, what would you change if hooking up a new HD TV was also in the works?

Home Theater and Stereo are two different things. It depends on space and budget., etc.

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

So if your original component set results in a "10" in terms of sound quality and performance, what's the 1-to-10 (best) rating on the single component you suggested?

The advantage of the components is that you can upgrade them later on, if you want to upgrade. With an all in one, there is no real upgrade path, you are stuck with it or have to get a whole new system again.The more features a component has, the worse it tends to sound, since the quality will always be comprised vs a dedicated component. But at this price point, I am not sure if it matters as much to be honest.

But if you want all the fixings in a small package, the Yamaha is hard to beat, that thing does everything, even more than the other one and for less money and a tiny space.. As far as sound quality goes, the bigger factor in how a system sounds is the speakers. Audioengine is well know for making best bang for your buck speakers for a budget price.

Getting the nicer speakers is a good comprised. As far as sound vs each other if you get the all in one box one, 6 vs 10, if you get the better speakers 7.5 to 10.

 

[e5fdny]

Does anything still come with AM? Can you listen to the game on some these systems?

Seems like you only get the FM tuner these days.

 

[RC1991]

For speakers check out the KEF Q series....they have been having a great sale on them and are great speakers. I recently bought a pair of Q300 (bookshelf) and Q500 (small floor standing) to use in my 7.1 system with KEF R series up front. I have to say for the money the Q series are a great value on a quality speaker. You can order from KEF direct or audition at dealers. You should also check out accessories 4 less for some great deals on refurb Denon and Marantz receivers. Yamaha also makes good receivers as well, uses pretty high quality internal components and are known to be reliable.

avsforum.com is a great resource as well for all levels and budgets.